Tenancy law changes to support victims of domestic violence

The McGowan Government will introduce proposed changes to tenancy laws aimed at supporting tenants who are victims of family and domestic violence in Western Australia.

State Cabinet has approved amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act and the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Act, which will provide more options and greater support for those experiencing family and domestic violence and their children.

The amendments are aimed at giving the victim better choices, including whether to stay in the tenancy or move to safer accommodation, or remove tenancy-related concerns, which are barriers to leaving a violent relationship.

The proposed changes for victims include:

Allowing them to deal directly with the landlord or property manager, without the perpetrator's consent;

Being able to terminate a tenancy agreement by providing the landlord with evidence of domestic violence, such as a restraining order or a letter from a medical professional, removing the need to go to Court;

Being able to stay in the home if they choose - they will be able to apply to the Court to have the perpetrator's name removed from the tenancy agreement;

Proposed provisions to deal with property damage, unpaid rent and disbursement of the bond to ensure the victim does not carry the financial burden after a tenancy ends; and

Being able to change locks without having to wait for permission from their landlord.

WA has the second highest rate of reported physical and sexual violence perpetrated against women in Australia.

In 2016-17, there were more than 50,000 reported family and domestic violence incidents investigated by the Western Australia Police Force, and more than 4,500 calls to domestic violence helplines.

Comments attributed to Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk:

"Domestic and family violence is a serious issue in the WA community and the McGowan Government is determined to ensure those experiencing domestic violence are supported when it comes to the need to quickly end their tenancy - and feel safe again.

"The victims, especially if they have children, already face many challenges and are at risk of homelessness and loss of employment - the tenancy laws are designed to lessen these kinds of impacts. Everyone has a right to feel and be safe in their home.

"Nearly half of Western Australians seeking help for homelessness have experienced family and domestic violence, and more than three quarters of those victims are female."